Flying the Pride flag to celebrate diversity and inclusion

May 22nd, 2018

June is nationally recognized as pride month in Canada. Many institutions and organizations fly the Pride flag as a celebration of diversity. During the month of June, all Waterloo Region District School Board locations will fly the Pride flag alongside the Canadian flag.

We believe that our schools are safe spaces for everyone that walks through our doors. Many of our students, parents, caregivers, staff and community members identify as LGBTQ+. Our strategic plan emphasises that the well-being for all of our students and staff are met through a focus on equity and inclusion. Raising the Pride flag demonstrates this commitment to our students, staff, parents, caregivers and community members.

About the Pride Flag

Rainbow flags are flown on federal, provincial and municipal sites, as well as police headquarters and educational institutions all across the country. Its colours, red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet represent life, healing, sunlight, nature, harmony and spirit. The Pride flag is a celebration of diversity and a visual reminder that WRDSB welcomes and supports each and every student – regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.

Before making the decision to fly the Pride flag, we checked in with the Government of Canada’s flag protocol lead at Heritage Canada. They confirmed that where schools only have one mast it is an acceptable workaround to show our support and inclusion of LGBTQ+ by flying the Canadian flag first, with the Pride flag beneath. Showing our support for LGBTQ+ does not diminish our respect for our Nation’s flag.

We have put together some resources and videos to help answer questions and guide conversations parents and guardians may be having with their children.

Help us celebrate Pride month. You can share your stories and pictures with us on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #WRDSBpride.